Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    The Marriage Challenge: A Finance Guide for Married Couples
    The Marriage Challenge: A Finance Guide for Married Couples
    The Marriage Challenge: A Finance Guide for Married Couples
    Ebook202 pages3 hours

    The Marriage Challenge: A Finance Guide for Married Couples

    By Art Rainer

    4.5/5

    ()

    Switch to audiobook
    Read preview

    About this ebook

    God has a plan for your marriage and your money. It starts with a challenge. Will you accept?

    For many couples, the collision of marriage and money is the beginning of relational havoc. But does it have to be this way?

    What if the collision of marriage and money no longer tore couples apart but brought them together? What if money was no longer a topic to argue about but a topic around which couples rallied? What if the collision of marriage and money actually helped couples find contentment and purpose?

    In The Marriage Challenge: A Finance Guide for Married Couples, financial expert and author of The Money Challenge Art Rainer takes you on a journey to a financially healthy marriage. Get started on the right foot, or get back on the right track, by accepting the challenge and realizing God's design for money and marriage.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBH Publishing Group
    Release dateJun 1, 2018
    ISBN9781535912396

    Read more from Art Rainer

    Related to The Marriage Challenge

    Related ebooks

    Christianity For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      A Prewedding Talk For Modern Couples

      May 20, 2019

      A Prewedding Talk For Modern Couples
      4 min read

    • Article

      Coupling Finances

      Dec 9, 2018

      Coupling Finances
      1 min read

    • Article

      The Case for a Long Divorce

      Nov 9, 2022

      Some people going through breakups are reconsidering the best way to end a relationship, including how to honor their time together.

      5 min read

    • Article

      A Legacy Of Real Love...

      Feb 10, 2023

      A Legacy Of Real Love...
      2 min read

    • Article

      Spiritual Wealth

      Jul 25, 2019

      Spiritual Wealth
      6 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The EDITOR

      Mar 18, 2022

      Dear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to ke

      7 min read

    • Article

      Easy Money?

      Feb 15, 2022

      Easy Money?
      5 min read

    • Article

      Essential Reads For Savvy Grooms

      May 20, 2022

      $ 12.00 | price and availability on amazon.com Marriage cunselling and anxiety in relationship: Practical guide for making marriage work, how to eliminate insecurity and jealousy, reduce conflicts, and reconnect with your partner. Two books in one. “

      3 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The Editor

      Jul 22, 2019

      I really appreciate JOY! Magazine. Great articles! Also love the JOY! News app on my phone and appreciate being kept up to date with news both in SA and around the world. God bless you all for your faithful ministry. Pat Biggam I was recently given

      4 min read

    • Article

      Q&A

      Sep 29, 2023

      Q About six months ago, I met a woman who is everything I want in a partner. The only issue is that I am an atheist, while she is deeply religious – she says her relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in her life. As insensitive or selfi

      4 min read

    • Article

      Nipun Mehta Pays It Forward

      Aug 1, 2019

      Nipun Mehta Pays It Forward
      20 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The EDITOR

      Jul 21, 2023

      D ear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to k

      6 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The EDITOR

      Jun 24, 2022

      Dear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to ke

      7 min read

    • Article

      How Will You Be Remembered?

      Dec 30, 2022

      How Will You Be Remembered?
      3 min read

    • Article

      Hello!

      Jan 28, 2022

      Hello!
      2 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The EDITOR

      Dec 30, 2022

      Dear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to ke

      8 min read

    • Article

      Pastor Jo Swart

      Aug 26, 2022

      Pastor Jo Swart
      7 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The EDITOR

      Sep 29, 2023

      D ear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to k

      8 min read

    • Article

      Winning the Breadwinner-vs.-Homemaker Battle

      Sep 19, 2019

      Earlier this summer, I wrote about "The Hidden Struggle for Men Who Marry into Money" -- which led me to think deeper about the intricacies that go into marriages where one partner earns more than the other. There are certain relationship dynamics t

      3 min read

    • Article

      Ask And You Shall Receive…

      Feb 9, 2024

      When something is repeated over and over again, it can lose its impact. As Christians, how often do we hear the scripture, “Ask, and you shall receive ... knock, and the door shall be opened”? It is so popular, and so repeated, but yet is such a powe

      2 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The Editor

      Nov 18, 2019

      As an Anglican, I would just like to say that I do not agree with the church in supporting Palestine and not Israel. I’m sure there are many others who feel the same as me. We pray for the Palestinian Christians and the Israeli Christians. By support

      6 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for The Marriage Challenge

    4.5/5

    3 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      The Marriage Challenge - Art Rainer

      Praise for The Marriage Challenge

      The Marriage Challenge is an excellent book to help couples find oneness in their finances. The story format makes the book a fun read for both the husband and wife. God has designed your marriage to showcase the gospel. Don’t let financial issues get in the way of a great marriage. Read The Marriage Challenge!

      Daniel L. Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

      I have known and worked with Art Rainer for several years and have always been encouraged by his infectious, 360-degree vision for mission in every part of life. This fuels his works on careful thinking and management of money—from personal devotion to marriage, from raising kids to leadership, the local church, education, and understanding the world. I am pleased to recommend this to you.

      Keith and Kristyn Getty, modern hymn writers, authors of Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church

      Art Rainer is the new voice in personal finance for Christians. His writings and podcasts are awakening believers to grasp more completely God’s plan for the money He has entrusted to us. His latest book, The Marriage Challenge, is an incredible resource for all married couples from engaged couples to newlyweds to those married for many years. Get it and apply its principles immediately!

      Thom S. Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources

      The Marriage Challenge is a must-read for married couples. The book is crafted in such a way that is entertaining, biblically sound, and practical. I wish that I had this book during my first few years of marriage. To be honest, I’m glad I have it now!

      Jimmy Scroggins, senior pastor of Family Church, West Palm Beach, Florida

      Whether you are newly married or have been married for years, this book is for you! Art provides clear, practical steps toward financial health, and addresses underlying issues couples experience that present themselves in their finances. Both your marriage and your bank account will be stronger by applying the principles found in this book! Art Rainer’s writing style is like having your own personal marriage and financial counselor and advisor. His personal and often entertaining approach helps to break down barriers for couples creating the opportunity for greater unity and success in their approach to money. This book is guaranteed to positively impact the reader!

      Selma Wilson, senior vice president of LifeWay Christian Resources

      Love, money, and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, for too many couples, money and happiness never go hand-in-hand. In fact, I find money as one of the single biggest reasons for emotional disconnection in marriage. Not only does Art provide an incredibly succinct, practical framework for married couples to plan financially, he also covers the relational dynamics necessary for becoming one in money and marriage! I will now recommend this book to every pre-marital couple I work with.

      Josh Straub, author of Safe House and host of the In This Together podcast

      I would have never thought I’d be on the edge of my seat reading a book about finances and marriage. Art’s ability to tell a story kept me turning the pages and his practical advice had me readily thinking about what steps my husband and I could apply to our marriage. This is a book for any couple who wants to honor God with their finances while growing closer together.

      Julie Masson, columnist for Parenting Teens

      Praise for The Money Challenge

      Art has written an incredibly practical, readable, useful book on living openhandedly with our finances. The Money Challenge offers practical steps to live as God has designed us to: as channels of His great generosity, to advance His Kingdom. I highly recommend it!

      Matt Carter, pastor of preaching and vision, The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas

      I can’t wait for you to read Art’s book. It is so good. Art encourages and equips you in The Money Challenge. Not only will you learn a lot, but you will also enjoy his captivating writing style.

      Derwin L. Gray, lead pastor, Transformation Church, Indian Land, South Carolina

      Sometimes the hardest part of wise financial stewardship is knowing where to start. That’s where Art’s book comes in—his relatable stories and practical steps break down a seemingly impossible goal to simple, faith-filled steps. Join him in this thirty-day challenge and watch as God uses this book to propel you into a lifestyle of generous giving. Around The Summit Church we always say, Live sufficiently, give extravagantly. This is how to start.

      J.D. Greear, PhD, pastor of The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and author, Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches that Send

      The Money Challenge is a hopeful, gospel-oriented primer on using finances for the sake of the Kingdom. Everyone can benefit from the biblical wisdom here, regardless of financial or social background.

      Russell Moore, president, Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

      Who knew generosity was such a driving force for how we handle our money in a God-honoring way? Art Rainer helps us understand why in this helpful book, The Money Challenge. If we’re honest, money is one of the hardest topics for us to face and tackle in our hearts and minds. That is one of many reasons we are served by Rainer’s work here. Practical, wise, and challenging, you’ll be glad you picked up this helpful book.

      Trillia Newbell, author of Enjoy, Fear and Faith, and United

      Copyright © 2018 by Art Rainer

      All rights reserved.

      Printed in the United States of America

      978-1-5359-1238-9

      Published by B&H Publishing Group

      Nashville, Tennessee

      Dewey Decimal Classification: 332.024

      Subject Heading: PERSONAL FINANCE \ MONEY \ MARRIAGE

      Cover design and illustration by Darren Welch. Additional illustration ©shutterstock/Serhiy Smirnov. Photo ©123rf.com/rangizzz.

      All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

      1 2 3 4 5 6 7 • 22 21 20 19 18

      For Sarah

      Acknowledgments

      I am grateful for everyone who made this book possible. I feel truly blessed to have been given such a great opportunity with such great support.

      Given that the topic of this book centers on money and marriage, it should not surprise anyone that I first want to thank my wife, Sarah. She is an amazingly godly, smart, and courageous wife and mom. Thank you for your love and inspiration.

      I am grateful for the three boys God has given me. They bring a lot of fun, energy, and clogged toilets to our house. To Nathaniel, Joshua, and James—I love you. I am proud of you. And I am glad that you are my sons.

      The rest of my family needs mentioning as well. They have provided continued support and encouragement over the years. Dad and Mom, thank you for providing a godly home in which to grow up. Sam, Jess, and your crews, I love you all.

      The team at B&H Publishing is incredible. I am so thankful for their partnership on this project. Thank you, Devin Maddox, Taylor Combs, Dave Schroeder, and Jenaye White.

      Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is an incredible community of Great Commission-focused believers. I consider it an honor to serve alongside such a wonderful team. Specifically, I want to thank Amy Whitfield and Mandy Bramlett for their involvement with this book. Your input was invaluable.

      Of course, I am most grateful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My hope is that this book makes his name more famous.

      8 Money Milestones

      Milestone 1: Start giving.

      ▼

      Milestone 2: Save $1,500 for a minor emergency.

      ▼

      Milestone 3: Max out your 401(k) or 403(b) match.

      ▼

      Milestone 4: Pay off all debt except your mortgage.

      ▼

      Milestone 5: Save three to six months of living expenses for a job-loss emergency.

      ▼

      Milestone 6: Put 15 percent of your gross income to retirement.

      ▼

      Milestone 7: Save for college or pay off your mortgage.

      ▼

      Milestone 8: Live generously.

      Introduction

      Palm Trees and Arguments

      The yelling sharply contrasted with the rest of the scene.

      Miami Beach was showing off. The sky was a perfect blue, and no cloud had made an appearance all day long. The beach’s sand was a perfect tan, peppered with seashells. The sun’s rays glistened on the blue ocean like a thousand tiny diamonds. They sparkled so brightly that one could only glance at them for a moment without squinting and turning to look elsewhere. And that was okay. There were plenty of beautiful, tropical views to enjoy.

      It was the type of day that kept guests of The Miami Palm Resort and Spa returning for more. The seven-story white art deco-style building had become somewhat of a landmark for Miami Beach.

      At the resort’s entrance, new arrivals were greeted by a light, ocean breeze. They stepped out of their rental car and inhaled the salt air. The potted palm trees at the front steps greeted them with a slight sway. Welcome to paradise.

      Everything seemed right.

      Which is exactly why the yelling could not be missed. It was a complete contradiction of everything that should happen in that moment—relaxation, awe, and laughter.

      But there stood Chris at the front of the building, right where guests were greeted, pacing back and forth, arguing vehemently with the person on the other side of the phone.

      Why didn’t you tell me? You do realize that my company is considering layoffs right now? What if I lose my job? What then? We were already close to the financial edge. Now we are on it. I can’t believe this!

      His motions had become somewhat predictable to the onlookers. When he spoke, his arm went in the air and his hand spread wide open. When he listened, he closed his eyes and pressed his hand tightly against his forehead. His facial expression communicated one thing—utter frustration.

      Chris took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. Look, I need to go for a walk. This is just not how I imagined the start of our marriage going down. I’ll be back to the room in an hour or so. I just need to cool down.

      He paused for a couple of seconds to listen. Yes. Me too. Bye. And then he hung up.

      Chris sighed out loud and looked to see a few guests and resort staff members uneasily eyeing him. He responded with an awkward tight-lipped smile and head nod. They went their way. Chris stood still.

      Mr. Chris, how is your and Mrs. Claire’s honeymoon going? It was the greeter at the front door. He was an elderly man, probably in his eighties. Chris figured that he was probably too old to take on any other positions at the resort. And at the same time he was pleasant. So a greeter role probably fit him well. He had only briefly spoken to the man when they first arrived, which is why Chris was surprised the man remembered his name.

      I’m impressed you remembered our names. I have to admit that I don’t remember catching yours. Chris reached out to shake the greeter’s hand.

      Most people around here call me Mr. Gunther. But I’ll respond to ‘excuse me’ or ‘hey’ just the same. I’m here for you and all the resort guests. So however you want to get my attention is fine with me. But I will warn you that you must speak a little loud. This hearing aid isn’t as good as advertised!

      Mr. Gunther grabbed Chris’s hand and shook it. Chris chuckled lightly.

      Now that’s what I like to see from guests of The Miami Palm Resort and Spa.

      How long have you worked here? asked Chris.

      Oh, sixty years or so. I just can’t seem to leave the place.

      Chris’s eyes became wide open, shocked at what he just heard. Did you say sixty years?

      I did. Time sure has flown. This has been a special place for me. Did you know that I met my wife, Rose, right over there at that desk? He pointed at a wooden desk in the lobby where Chris and Claire had checked in the other day. She was the receptionist. In my opinion, there hasn’t been a prettier lady to work the desk since.

      Chris paused, clearly in thought. So, you’ve had a long marriage?

      One that lasts a lifetime, Mr. Gunther said as he patted Chris on the back. My sweet Rose passed away a few years back. There is not day that I don’t think about her. It’s one of the reasons why I love this place. It reminds me of her.

      Chris smiled at his remarks. Did you ever face any financial challenges?

      Of course. Most of us have, replied Mr. Gunther.

      Well, do you have any advice for a newlywed? responded Chris.

      Mr. Gunther paused, clearly in thought.

      You know, maybe. Chris, I want this honeymoon to be special for you and Claire. Would you be open to hanging out with an old man and his friends while you’re here?

      This was not something Chris would normally jump at. It definitely wasn’t part of the original honeymoon plan. But the honeymoon had already veered way off course and into a ditch anyway, and he and Claire needed help getting out. Since Mr. Gunther offered, he might as well take him up on it. What could it hurt?

      Sure, responded Chris.

      Decide to Be One

      A financially healthy couple doesn’t start with a checking account. It starts with unity. It starts with sacrificial, selfless love. It starts with both husband and wife moving away from me and toward we. Through this

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1